Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council

Man in Wheelchair Talking into Microphone The PAIMI regulations require the PAIMI program to have an advisory council to "advise the system on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating the rights of individuals with mental illness."

The PAIMI Advisory Council is comprised of the following representatives: at least 60% primary mental health consumers with the chairperson being an individual who has received or is receiving mental health services or who has a family member who receives such services. Additional members of the PAIMI Advisory Council are family members of mental health consumers, attorneys, mental health professionals, providers of mental health services, and individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about mental illnesses.

If you would like to request an application to be considered for PAIMI Advisory Council membership, please write the Advocacy Center at 2728 Centerview Drive, Suite 102, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 or fill out the intake form, and when you are contacted, request an application.

Click here for the Council's Governing Rules - UPDATED 11-29-07 (Acrobat file, 36k)
Click here for an application to join the PAIMI Advisory Council (Acrobat file, 31k)

The 2010 Dave Roberts Mental Health Advocacy Award

Who should submit an application?

Nominations are encouraged from peers, advocacy groups and self nominations. Examples include peer organizations, local homelessness coalitions, drop-in-centers, club houses, etc.

Where do I get an application?

You can download an application or contact Leslie Evans.

Where do I submit a completed application?

You may mail, fax, or email by 5/31/2010.

Mail: The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.
Attention: Leslie Evans
2728 Centerview Drive, Suite 102
Tallahassee, Fl 32301-6298
850-488-9071 ext. 231

Fax: 850-488-8640

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Website: advocacycenter.org/pac

When will the award be presented to the recipient?

The Dave Roberts Mental Health Advocacy Award is presented during the fall joint meeting of the Advocacy Center Board of Directors and PAIMI Advisory Council. Check our website for exact date and location. The Advocacy Center will pay all expenses for the recipient to attend this meeting.

What are the criteria that you look for in the successful advocate?

How long has the person been an advocate?
Does the candidate belong to any peer-run programs or councils?
How well is the recipient known throughout the state?
Recommendations or references are a plus for the candidate.

Who are the judges on the Dave Roberts Award for Advocacy Committee?

The Dave Roberts Award for Advocacy Committee consists of at least three members of the PAIMI Advisory Council. Recommendations are presented to the full PAIMI Advisory Council to elect the annual recipient.